Fewer chances to bag moose

THERE MAY BE fewer opportunities to bag a moose this year in New Hampshire.

The state Fish and Game Department wants to reduce the number of moose permits to 275 for the 2012 and 2013 hunting seasons, a 30 percent decrease from the 395 permits issued in 2010 and 2011.

The department said it wants to let moose herds increase in some areas and counter the affect of winter ticks, which most often feed on moose, according to the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension.

It's part of a package of proposed rule changes by Fish and Game, including new restrictions on trapping lynx and new limits of two reptiles and five amphibians for species that people are allowed to possess.

More information on the proposed rule changes is available online at wildlife.state.nh.us. Public hearings will be held April 2 in Keene, April 4 in Lancaster and April 5 at Fish and Game headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord.